Eftel's History

1999

Datafast commenced as a trunked radio network operator in Victoria. From 1999 to 2001, it developed a 34Mb/s ATM backbone network in western Victoria. Ultimately the network extended to Mt Gambier in South Australia, with a hub in Melbourne and links to other state capitals.

2000

Eftel started as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) based in Perth Western Australia.

2001

Datafast acquired a VoIP (Voice over Internet Provider) telecommunications company, and VivaNET, a wholesale only ISP.

2002

Datafast merged with Eftel, an ISP and broadband telecommunications carrier. The merger doubled the size of the company, providing significant economies of scale, and extended broadband operations into four states.

2003

Through consolidation and other initiatives, Datafast significantly reduced its networking costs, established a Layer-2 ADSL service, and extended the network to South Australia and the Northern Territory.

These initiatives helped the company to take advantage of two current trends: industry consolidation and the take-up of broadband Internet access.

In late 2003, Datafast acquired ISPs KeyPoint, EZ Web, and Impaq. These purchases raised the size of the customer base to 85,000 and extended broadband coverage to Tasmania, completing the national roll-out.

2004

In January, Datafast acquired NSW ISP Planet Netcom, adding a further 15,000 accounts and bringing the total customer base to over 100,000, making the company one of Australia’s 10 largest ISPs.

In June, Datafast acquired Bunbury based ISP OzzieNet, and in October Datafast acquired Affinity, a Melbourne based ISP and its umbrella of brands, taking the total number of active accounts on the Datafast network to 120,000.

Eftel acquired WA-based ISP Ace Online and Queensland-based ISPs Instant Communication and aaNet. aaNet is Eftel's largest ever broadband acquisition, bringing the total number of active accounts on the Eftel network to 140,000+.

Eftel signed with DCITA, gaining access to the $60 million fund made available through the Broadband Connect programme, an Australian government initiative designed to promote broadband access in regional Australia.

2007

In early 2007, Eftel released 8000kbps speed ADSL1 broadband as well as a range of full-service telephony products to the retail market, further expanding it's extensive range of Internet and telecommunications services.

In March, Eftel was appointed as one of four Preferred Suppliers for the Victorian Government.

In late 2007, Eftel announced the development of the BroadbandNext network. Built on cutting-edge MSAN technology to be installed in telephone exchanges throughout Australia.

Eftel launched a New Wireless Web Service in December, to be accessed via a hand-held device known as the Pocketsurfer2, available for sale from selected retail outlets throughout Australia.

As a result of improving business profitability, shareholders received a maiden dividend of $0.1c per share in September. Eftel also announced the acquisition of the Concept Group of Companies in September.

As a result of significant network partnerships with Wideband Networks and Nextep in November 2008, the BroadbandNext footprint expanded to 140 exchanges throughout Australia. Eftel also signed a strategic partnership agreement, giving Dodo, one of Australia's largest and best-known ISPs, access to the BroadbandNext network. Eftel now operates Australia's sixth largest broadband footprint.

In late Febrary, John Lane was appointed as the new CEO of Eftel. Outgoing CEO Simon Ehrenfeld was appointed as Executive Chairman.

Eftel announced the launch of the Eftel Customer Focus Initiative in May 2009, aimed at advancing Eftel's position as a leader in customer service within the telecommunications industry. This project will be lead by Ryan Bunter, former Customer Service Manager of number-one customer service ISP Westnet.

2011

In February, Eftel acquired Colour City Internet. Colour City Internet has around 500 active accounts, delivering xDSL, dial-up, e-mail, hosting and domain services to customers in the region around Orange NSW.

In April, Scott Stavretis was appointed as the new CEO of Eftel. Scott comes to the company from Dodo Australia, where he was responsible for the executive management and operations of the entire group.

In July, Eftel successfully completed the purchase of Club Telco. The expanded company now turns over in excess of $1 million per week of 120,000 services.

In August, Eftel signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of wholesale telecommunications service provider Platform Networks Pty Ltd.

2012

During the first half of 2012 Eftel went through a period of transformation as it integrated the Eftel and ClubTelco businesses and relocated its headquarters to Melbourne.

In the second half of the 2012 Eftel stepped up its acquisition activity, acquiring Visage Telecom Pty Ltd, the business operated by West Australian Networks, the DSL customers of Enterprise IT, and also acquired Engin, a leader in the voice over internet protocol (Voip) sector, from Channel Seven Group. The Engin business alone contributed $5.75m of revenue to the Eftel Group.

By the end of 2012 the company had completed restructure of the legacy Eftel business and also the newly acquired Engin business and will benefit greatly from the associated operational savings.